Firewood 101
Your complete guide to understanding firewood: BTU ratings, measurements, storage, and more
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Firewood BTU Rating
🔥 High or Very High Heat Output
1 cord = 21,000,000 - 24,000,000 BTU = 200-250 gal. of fuel oil or 250-300 cu. ft. of natural gas
🔥 Medium Heat Output
1 cord = 17,000,000 - 20,000,000 BTU = 150-200 gal. of fuel oil or 200-250 cu. ft. of natural gas
🔥 Low Heat Output
1 cord = 12,000,000-17,000,000 BTU = 100-150 gal. of fuel oil or 200-250 cu. ft. of natural gas
Consider the cost of 1 cord of firewood vs the cost of fuel oil or the cu. ft. of natural gas. The cost of firewood is usually more stable than the cost of fuel oils or gas and should prove to be a huge savings on your heating bill.
Heat per Cord (Million BTUs per Cord)
Firewood By Weight
| Wood Type | Weight (lbs per cord) |
|---|---|
| Apple | 4,100 |
| Oak, White | 4,012 |
| Locust, Black | 3,890 |
| Maple, Western | 3,750 |
| Chinquapin | 3,450 |
| Tamarack | 3,247 |
| Walnut, Black | 3,192 |
| Juniper, Rocky | 3,150 |
| Elm, American | 3,052 |
| Ash, Black | 2,992 |
| Fir, Douglas | 2,900 |
| Cherry, Black | 2,880 |
| Alder, Red | 2,710 |
| Pine, Lodgepole | 2,669 |
| Hemlock | 2,482 |
| Pine, Ponderosa | 2,380 |
| Cottonwood | 2,108 |
| Spruce | 2,100 |
| Willow | 2,100 |
Firewood Measurements
1 Cord of Firewood Measures:
- 8 feet long
- 4 feet high
- 4 feet wide
- = 128 cubic feet
Benefits of Seasoned Firewood
Higher Heat Output
Seasoned wood burns hotter and more efficiently than green wood.
Less Smoke
Properly seasoned firewood produces minimal smoke and cleaner burning.
Easier to Light
Dry wood ignites faster and maintains fire more consistently.
Firewood Storage Tips
Keep It Dry
Store firewood off the ground and cover the top to protect from rain and snow.
Allow Air Circulation
Stack wood loosely to allow air to flow through and continue the drying process.
Face Cut Ends South
Position cut ends toward the sun to help with natural drying.
Distance from House
Store firewood at least 30 feet from your home to prevent pest issues.
First In, First Out
Use older wood first and rotate your stock to maintain quality.
Check Moisture Content
Well-seasoned firewood should have 20% moisture content or less.